Share this Page

Hibernian v Rangers preview

Date published: Friday 24th July 2015 5:46

The two clubs – who met on seven occasions last season – lock horns in the Petrofac Training Cup first round at Easter Road having met at the same stage last August, Rangers winning by the odd goal in three.

Much has changed since then, notably with the departure of a host of senior players from Ibrox and the arrival of Mark Warburton in the dug-out.

The former Brentford manager has been busy, bringing in seven new faces – Wes Foderingham, James Tavernier, Rob Kiernan, Danny Wilson, Andy Halliday, Jason Holt and Martyn Waghorn – with further additions expected, but is is the Glasgow club’s pursuit of Allan that is causing much consternation in Leith.

Hibs have rebuffed two bids from Rangers for the highly-rated midfield schemer, and it remains to be seen whether they will go back in with third bid next week.

Alan Stubbs has not revealed whether Allan will be involved in Saturday’s match amidst all the hullabaloo but the Hibs boss has not been idle in the transfer market either. He has brought in four new faces – Marvin Bartley, James Keatings, Danny Carmichael and Antonio Reguero, who could all make the matchday squad.

Hibs defender Paul Hanlon said: “It’s a cup competition. You play the game and you want to get through to the next round. When it comes to the league campaign it’s all about consistency and playing well every week.

“We are really looking forward to it. It’s obviously a big game and we have not had a pre-season game at Easter Road so it’s great to get back there in front of our fans.”